Signs You Might Have Acid Reflux

Sometimes you might have a hard time digesting your food, and maybe you feel discomfort in your throat; it's a feeling most people know well. If so, it might be a sign you have acid reflux, and it can be a nuisance to deal with. With acid reflux, the esophagus lining doesn't withstand acidic foods that well, so when a diet is acidic (rather than alkaline, in which it thrives), someone might get the typical burning sensations.

As a certified health coach, I work with clients on having proper digestion and feeling comfortable in their bodies. When they have acid reflux, or something feels off, it can definitely affect their wellbeing and health. To get back on track, it's best to focus on some ways to avoid reflux and also to keep a more alkaline state in the body. For instance, eating fruits and vegetables can really benefit people who experience acid reflux, as they tend to be more alkaline. Here are a few ways to know that you might be suffering from acid reflux, as well as a few pointers so you can quickly nip it and move on to feeling more comfortable with each meal.

1. You Use Antacids Often

"Regular use of antacids destroys our bodies' natural ability to balance stomach acid production and often leads to too little stomach acid to properly digest food," says Will Smelko, founder and CEO at Ora Organic, over email with Bustle. "This leaves high amounts of undigested food running through the intestines, causing several chronic digestive issues," Smelko explains.

2. You Eat A Lot Of Dairy & Can't Process It Well

Of course, every body differs, but if you are sensitive to dairy, it's worth checking out that acid reflux isn't exacerbated by it. "Many people already lack the digestive enzymes to properly break down lactose and it has been shown that people can lose the ability to process milk over time," says Smelko. "One other note on dairy is that conventional milk typically uses high amounts of antibiotics as well as synthetic growth hormone — rBST & rBGH."

3. You're Nauseated After Eating

"Signs and symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn, bloating, regurgitation, and nausea," says Kristen Johnson Brogan, Chief Nutrition Officer at On Target Living, to Bustle.

4. You Get Night Sweats

If you're waking up in the middle of the night, hot and sweaty, it could mean you have trouble digesting food and could have acid reflux. According to Dr. Aaron Clark, a family medicine physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, over email with Bustle, it might also accompany a burning sensation in your chest.

5. You Have A Sour Taste In Your Mouth

Clark says that you might also get a sour taste in your mouth, as well as a persistent cough. Trouble swallowing is also common with acid reflux. If you have any of this discomfort, see a doctor for a check up and figure out some ways to improve your digestion.

If you notice any of these signs, it could be related to acid reflux. Of course, they aren't fun, so seeking guidance asap will help you get back to normal.